Aegean Coast

Turkey

Altinkum Travel Guide

Like Bodrum and Kusadasi, its neighbours on Turkey's south
Aegean Coast, Altinkum is heavily frequented by British holiday
package tourists, but unlike these other frenetic resorts Altinkum
is small and quiet, making it perfect for families with young
children and those seeking a relaxed, easy-going beach holiday.

The resort town's main attraction are its three long, sandy
beaches, that stretch from the small harbour at one end of a gently
shelving bay to a rocky cliff at the other end. Little wonder that
the name Altinkum means 'golden sands'. In this resort devoted to
leisure and pleasure, lazy days on the beach, perhaps indulging in
some watersports, are the order of the day, while night time is
spent trying out the laid back restaurants and bars, many of them
serving up British fare and named for familiar English landmarks.
Those with a yen for sightseeing will find Altinkum perfectly
placed to visit two major ancient sites, the Temple of Apollo at
Didyama and the vast Roman ruins at Ephesus.

Holidaymakers should brush up on their haggling skills as
shopping opportunities abound along the pedestrianised seafront of
Altinkum, which is packed with souvenir shops, jewellery stores and
boutiques selling copies of designer clothing. The main centre is
Dolphin Square, and there is a modern shopping complex called the
Didyma Shopping Mall not far away. Self-caterers will find all the
provisions they need at the two main supermarkets, Gima and Migros,
between the seafront and town centre.

Altinkum is bursting with good restaurants serving most forms of
international cuisine, although Turkish and traditional English
predominates to cater to the demand of holidaymakers. With such a
feast of eateries it is difficult to single out any particular
establishment, but for the best of British it is hard to beat Ali
Baba's for friendliness, price, and quality. The Mercury Restaurant
serves top-notch English breakfasts, while Barney's Restaurant
prides itself in introducing visitors to the delights of Turkish
cuisine. For a family group or party of varied tastes opt for The
Grand Restaurant in Dolphin Square, where the menu consists of
Turkish, Indian, Chinese, and English dishes, all of high
standard.

While it is not as rowdy as the major Turkish holiday resorts,
those who wish to indulge will find plenty of after-dark
entertainment and fun in Altinkum, where nightlife is centred
mainly in Dolphin Square and in the bars along the sea front
promenade. Everything from disco dancing, karaoke, and
belly-dancing to bingo and pool is on offer, the entertainment
fuelled by cheap drinks and cocktails. Clubbers are catered for
during the height of the summer season at Medusa, an open-air night
club that is regarded as Altinkum's best party. Another hot
favourite for young people is the Dolphin Bar.

There are sunbeds and umbrellas aplenty for holidaymakers to
rent on Altinkum's lovely beaches, where the turquoise waters
shelve gently allowing for safe bathing. Those who are more
energetic can try their hand at windsurfing, jet-skiing, pedaloes,
a banana boat ride or perhaps a scuba diving lesson: all these
activities and more are available on the beaches. A variety of
tours, boat trips and excursions to surrounding resorts, islands,
towns and historic sites are available, or visitors can hop on a
dolmus (mini-bus) and explore on their own places like the
Roman ruins at Ephesus, the Pamukkale spas and calcium deposits, or
the lively resorts of Kusadasi and Bodrum. For a peaceful yet
active afternoon, take a stroll around the scenic Bafa Lake.

Navigation

Altinkum Travel Guide

Like Bodrum and Kusadasi, its neighbours on Turkey's south
Aegean Coast, Altinkum is heavily frequented by British holiday
package tourists, but unlike these other frenetic resorts Altinkum
is small and quiet, making it perfect for families with young
children and those seeking a relaxed, easy-going beach holiday.

The resort town's main attraction are its three long, sandy
beaches, that stretch from the small harbour at one end of a gently
shelving bay to a rocky cliff at the other end. Little wonder that
the name Altinkum means 'golden sands'. In this resort devoted to
leisure and pleasure, lazy days on the beach, perhaps indulging in
some watersports, are the order of the day, while night time is
spent trying out the laid back restaurants and bars, many of them
serving up British fare and named for familiar English landmarks.
Those with a yen for sightseeing will find Altinkum perfectly
placed to visit two major ancient sites, the Temple of Apollo at
Didyama and the vast Roman ruins at Ephesus.

Holidaymakers should brush up on their haggling skills as
shopping opportunities abound along the pedestrianised seafront of
Altinkum, which is packed with souvenir shops, jewellery stores and
boutiques selling copies of designer clothing. The main centre is
Dolphin Square, and there is a modern shopping complex called the
Didyma Shopping Mall not far away. Self-caterers will find all the
provisions they need at the two main supermarkets, Gima and Migros,
between the seafront and town centre.

Altinkum is bursting with good restaurants serving most forms of
international cuisine, although Turkish and traditional English
predominates to cater to the demand of holidaymakers. With such a
feast of eateries it is difficult to single out any particular
establishment, but for the best of British it is hard to beat Ali
Baba's for friendliness, price, and quality. The Mercury Restaurant
serves top-notch English breakfasts, while Barney's Restaurant
prides itself in introducing visitors to the delights of Turkish
cuisine. For a family group or party of varied tastes opt for The
Grand Restaurant in Dolphin Square, where the menu consists of
Turkish, Indian, Chinese, and English dishes, all of high
standard.

While it is not as rowdy as the major Turkish holiday resorts,
those who wish to indulge will find plenty of after-dark
entertainment and fun in Altinkum, where nightlife is centred
mainly in Dolphin Square and in the bars along the sea front
promenade. Everything from disco dancing, karaoke, and
belly-dancing to bingo and pool is on offer, the entertainment
fuelled by cheap drinks and cocktails. Clubbers are catered for
during the height of the summer season at Medusa, an open-air night
club that is regarded as Altinkum's best party. Another hot
favourite for young people is the Dolphin Bar.

There are sunbeds and umbrellas aplenty for holidaymakers to
rent on Altinkum's lovely beaches, where the turquoise waters
shelve gently allowing for safe bathing. Those who are more
energetic can try their hand at windsurfing, jet-skiing, pedaloes,
a banana boat ride or perhaps a scuba diving lesson: all these
activities and more are available on the beaches. A variety of
tours, boat trips and excursions to surrounding resorts, islands,
towns and historic sites are available, or visitors can hop on a
dolmus (mini-bus) and explore on their own places like the
Roman ruins at Ephesus, the Pamukkale spas and calcium deposits, or
the lively resorts of Kusadasi and Bodrum. For a peaceful yet
active afternoon, take a stroll around the scenic Bafa Lake.